Days of Wine and Roses Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A charming PR guy convinces a sweet chocolate-loving lady that brandy is just chocolate, but spicy, and they both become professional mess-makers.

🍿 Days of Wine and Roses: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to Joe and Kirsten

Joe Clay, a public relations executive with a penchant for drinking as part of his job, meets Kirsten Arnesen, a secretary who prefers chocolate to alcohol. Joe introduces her to Brandy Alexanders, a creamy cocktail that appeals to her sweet tooth. This seemingly harmless introduction sets in motion a chain of events that will dramatically alter their lives. Kirsten, initially reluctant, finds herself enjoying the effects of alcohol, setting the stage for her dependence.

Marriage and Escalating Alcoholism

Joe and Kirsten fall in love and marry, but their relationship is increasingly defined by alcohol. Joe’s drinking escalates due to job stress, and he encourages Kirsten to join him, creating a shared dependence. They gradually transition from social drinking to relying on alcohol to cope with their problems. This shared dependency slowly starts isolating them from their friends and family.

The Downward Spiral

As their alcoholism worsens, Joe and Kirsten face devastating consequences. Joe loses his job, and their lives spiral out of control. They struggle to maintain any semblance of normalcy, bouncing between short-lived jobs and increasingly desperate attempts to control their drinking. The film unflinchingly depicts their denial, rationalizations, and the destructive impact on their relationship and their young daughter.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Joe Clay (Jack Lemmon): A public relations man whose alcoholism leads to the destruction of his career and family life.
• Kirsten Arnesen Clay (Lee Remick): A young woman who is introduced to alcohol by her husband and descends into alcoholism.
• Ellis Arnesen (Charles Bickford): Kirsten’s father who struggles to help his daughter overcome her addiction.
• Jim Hungerford (Jack Klugman): Joe’s friend and sponsor from Alcoholics Anonymous, offering support and guidance.
• Debbie Clay (Debbie Megowan): Joe and Kirsten’s young daughter who witnesses the effects of her parents’ alcoholism.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Joe Clay: “You and I were a couple of drunks on the sea of booze, and the boat sank.” – Joe uses this analogy to describe their past relationship and his newfound sobriety at an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting.
• Joe Clay: “Magic time!” – Joe whispers this phrase before taking a drink, highlighting the allure and escape he seeks in alcohol.
• Joe Clay: “There’s just room for you and me – no threesome.” – Joe says this to Kirsten when offering reconciliation, making it clear that alcohol cannot be a part of their relationship anymore.
• Kirsten Arnesen Clay: “It made me feel good.” – Kirsten explains how alcohol makes her feel after Joe introduced it to her, foreshadowing the start of her own addiction.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $2.8 million
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: $2,031

💥 Days of Wine and Roses Reviews

Personal Review

I was completely unprepared for how much this movie affected me. Jack Lemmon’s transformation from a charming guy to a desperate alcoholic is chilling. The scene in the greenhouse is just heartbreaking, and the ending? I was left speechless. It’s not just a movie about alcoholism; it’s about how addiction can destroy love and family. Definitely a must-watch, but be ready to feel a lot.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic dramas”
  • “Those interested in stories about addiction and recovery”
  • “Viewers who appreciate strong performances from Jack Lemmon and Lee Remick”
  • “Individuals seeking thought-provoking and realistic films”
  • “Those interested in films dealing with difficult social issues.”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Depiction of alcoholism and its effects”
  • “Disturbing scenes of withdrawal”
  • “Mature themes”
  • “Substance abuse”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “A powerful and disturbing look at the destructive nature of alcoholism. Jack Lemmon and Lee Remick deliver unforgettable performances in this uncompromising drama.
• The New York Times: “Blake Edwards’s shift to drama is successful, with Lemmon and Remick portraying the descent into alcoholism with heartbreaking realism. A must-see for its unflinching portrayal of addiction.
• Los Angeles Times: “An intense and moving story about the grip of alcoholism on a marriage. The film is a somber journey into the darkest corners of human behavior.

Audience Reactions

The raw portrayal of alcoholism felt incredibly real and relatable to many viewers.: Fans lauded Jack Lemmon and Lee Remick’s performances as some of the best in their careers.

The ending, though tragic, resonated with viewers for its honesty and lack of Hollywood-style sugarcoating.: Many viewers praised the film for its unflinching look at the complexities of addiction and recovery.

Overall Consensus: A powerful and heartbreaking drama about the devastating effects of alcoholism, featuring outstanding performances from Jack Lemmon and Lee Remick.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Music, Song)- 1963

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Days of Wine and Roses was originally a Playhouse 90 television drama starring Cliff Robertson and Piper Laurie before being adapted into a feature film.”
• “Both Jack Lemmon and Lee Remick reportedly sought help from Alcoholics Anonymous years after completing the film, demonstrating its impact on them.”
• “The film’s title is derived from the poem “Vitae Summa Brevis Spem Nos Vetat Incohare Longam” by Ernest Dowson, reflecting the fleeting nature of beauty and pleasure.”
• “Blake Edwards, known for comedies like the Pink Panther series, took a risk directing this dark drama, showcasing his versatility.”
• “The black and white cinematography was a stylistic choice to emphasize the bleak and stark realities of alcoholism during an era when color films were becoming more common.”

🖥️ How to Watch Days of Wine and Roses?

As a classic film, ‘Days of Wine and Roses’ is available for digital purchase or rental on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check local listings for potential TV broadcasts or streaming availability on services that offer classic movie collections.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Days of Wine and Roses, you might like these similar films:

• The Lost Weekend (1945): A classic and unflinching portrayal of alcoholism, similar in theme and intensity.
• Leaving Las Vegas (1995): Another dark, tragic story of alcoholism and its destructive effects on relationships.
• When a Man Loves a Woman (1994): Explores similar themes of alcoholism within a marriage, though with a slightly more hopeful tone.
• The Apartment (1960): Deals with themes of loneliness and the emptiness of corporate life, similar to the backdrop that fuels Joe’s drinking.

🛒 Days of Wine and Roses Related Products

• Days of Wine and Roses (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]: A high-quality Blu-ray edition of the film with exclusive features, including interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, and insightful commentary, perfect for cinephiles.
• Jack Lemmon: A Life: A biography detailing Jack Lemmon’s life, including his struggles and triumphs, with insights into his memorable performance in “Days of Wine and Roses”.
• Days of Wine and Roses Movie Poster: A high-quality reproduction of the original movie poster, capturing the essence of this classic film. Available in various sizes to suit your home decor.
• Days of Wine and Roses T-Shirt: A comfortable and stylish t-shirt featuring the iconic title and imagery from the movie. Perfect for showing your appreciation for this classic film.

🎧 Soundtrack

Days of Wine and Roses features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Days of Wine and Roses” – performed by Henry Mancini
• “Days of Wine and Roses” – performed by Andy Williams

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Julie Andrews & Henry Mancini – The Days Of Wine And Roses

Did you know Julie Andrews sang the theme song for “Days of Wine and Roses”? This performance with Henry Mancini is beautiful and really captures the film’s melancholic mood. You HAVE to check it out!

✨ Rate